The article examines how Grand Theft Auto’s portrayal of women has been shaped by film noir conventions, particularly the femme fatale archetype. It argues that this influence has helped create memorable characters but has also often limited women to sexualised, manipulative or secondary roles within the series’ male-centred crime narratives.

It traces these patterns across Rockstar’s games, contrasting earlier portrayals with more nuanced female characters in later entries. The piece suggests that while the franchise has gradually broadened its character writing, its longstanding reliance on noir-inspired stereotypes remains a constraint as anticipation builds for Grand Theft Auto 6.